Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Feb 2: In a major breakthrough, the Udupi District CEN Police arrested an accused in a digital fraud case and recovered a total of Rs 7,00,000 in cash.
Kiran (24), son of Puru Nayak from Shahapur, Yadgir district, was arrested in Dharwad. A mobile phone and Rs 5,00,000 in cash were recovered from him.
According to the police, Kannar Santosh Kumar (45), from Udupi, received a call on September 11, 2024, from an unknown person claiming to be from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. The caller falsely informed him that his mobile number was involved in illegal advertisements and harassing text messages, and that 17 FIRs had been registered against him.
The caller further threatened that all contact numbers linked to his name would be disconnected within two hours and that an arrest warrant had been issued against him.
Later, the victim received a WhatsApp video call from a person dressed in a police uniform, who introduced himself as an inspector from the Cyber Police in Andheri East, Mumbai. The fraudster claimed that the victim’s Aadhaar-linked bank account was involved in a money laundering case connected to one Naresh Goyal.
He further stated that the victim’s income source needed verification and persuaded him to disclose his bank account details and the available funds. Under the pretense of an RBI fund verification process, the fraudster convinced the victim to transfer Rs 89,00,000 to a State Bank of India account. He also falsely claimed that the victim would be placed under virtual arrest until the funds were cleared.
Based on a complaint filed by Kannar Santosh Kumar, a case was registered at the CEN Police Station.
Following the investigation, a special police team led by CEN Police Inspector Ramachandra Nayak, along with officers Praveen Kumar, Praveen, Rajesh, ASI Subhash from Udupi Town Police Station, ASI Rajesh P from Padubidri Police Station, and officers Dikshith, Sukanya, and Jyothi, conducted operations in Kerala and Maharashtra.
During the operation, the accused Kiran (24), son of Puru Nayak from Shahapur, Yadgir district, was arrested in Dharwad. A mobile phone and Rs 5,00,000 in cash were recovered from him.
Additionally, an amount of Rs 2,00,000, which had been deposited in the account of Mohammad Nisham C K in Kerala in connection with the fraud, was also recovered. In total, the police have seized Rs 7,00,000 in cash related to the case.
How to stay safe
Vigilance is the key to avoiding such scams. If you receive such calls, never fall for the trap. Remember, police officials never initiate cases online or ask for money.
Most importantly, the term “digital arrest” is fabricated by scammers and does not exist in Indian law. If someone threatens you with it, it is undoubtedly a scam.
Additionally, never share bank details, OTPs, or other sensitive information over phone calls or messages, regardless of the caller’s claims. If you suspect a scam, report it to the authorities and your bank immediately. Quick action can help prevent further losses.